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Rural Secretary says dairy industry could benefit from country of origin labelling.

Scotland’s dairy sector could reap the benefits if the EU extends country of origin labelling to dairy products, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said today.

The issue is due to be discussed on Monday at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council and Mr Lochhead has made clear that Scotland supports the extension and believes it could help market Scottish dairy products in the EU and beyond. In advance of Council, he has urged the EU to take forward country of origin labelling for dairy products and asked the UK Government to support work to make this happen.

Mr Lochhead said:

“Scotland has a number of world class dairy products that truly are the cream of the crop - with wide variety of excellent cheeses, milk, yoghurt and butter all made in our country. Our recently launched Dairy Action Plan makes clear that increasing exports can play a key part in helping the sector to a more sustainable future.

“I have no doubt that changes to EU rules to allow country of origin labelling for dairy products would boost our industry and allow them to capitalise on the provenance and reputation of our dairy sector.

“By ensuring products are clearly labelled as Scottish, as already happens with Scotch beef and lamb, our dairy industry could benefit from increased marketing and exposure in Europe and beyond. This could increase exports and the profitability of our industry and that’s why I am urging the EU to take forward country of origin labelling for dairy products as a matter of urgency and asking the UK Government to support us on this important issue.”

Notes To Editors

Mr Lochhead published the Scottish Government’s Dairy Action Plan on March 24, 2015. More information is available at http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Dairy-Plan-launched-17b5.aspx